Elric Ed." Yoki, the matchmaker said.

Ed grinned and walked forward.

"Flamboyant and confident." Yoki said disapprovingly.

Ed went inside, pouting slightly. He sat down.

"Small." Yoki looked at him.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL YOU CAN'T SEE HIM WITHOUT A MAGNIFYING GLASS!" Ed yelled, making Yoki shatter his teapot.

"Loud And boisterous." Yoki made more notes.

"Wait a second! I'll fix it!" Ed clapped his hands and repaired the teapot. "See?"

Now it had a dragon looking spout and firey etchings.

"Too intelligent. Uses Alchemy. And has a poor sense of style." Yoki said.

He shoved Ed out the door.

"No no no. Shape up and...maybe next year." Yoki said. "But no woman is going to be interested in a...strange...man like you."

Ed opened his mouth to protest, then saw his mother's disappointed face. Not again.

Xxx

Ed returned home, glaring at Hohenhiem and daring him to say 'I told you so.'

But he didn't say it.

No one ever did.

Ed knelt in the shrine and lit incense.

"Alphonse...I'm sorry. I made mom cry again. I can't do anything right. I'd give anything to be the strong and brave son she needs. The kind that would attract an honorable bride. But...I'll always be...different. An alchemist. And maybe that's not enough anymore. Dammit what will I do?"

"You'll find a way that's as different as you are." Trisha said. "I think that's what Alphonse would tell you too. Edward you aren't meant to be a househusband. Your father wanted to settle down, but you aren't like Hohenhiem. You are Edward. And I have a feeling that when you find your path, it will surprise us all."

Ed smiled at his Mother.

"Now come on inside. Pinako made stew!" Trisha patted his head.

She went inside, and after lingering a moment, staring at the effigy that was his brother Alphonse, Ed stood up, studying his reflection in the tombstone.

"She's right Alphonse. I'll show Yoki. I'll outshine them all!"